Jose Mourinho kicks Rafa Benitez when he's down and takes credit for Inter Milan's Club World Cup

20 December 2010 03:16

Viewed : 158

Jose Mourinho has stuck the boot into beleaguered Rafa Benitez by claiming the glory of Inter Milan's Club World Cup triumph.

Mourinho led Inter to the Champions League title in May - after securing an Italian League and Cup double - and took exception to moans from his successor that the side had been left in poor physical shape.

'I thought he was going to thank me for the title I gave to him,' said Mourinho after leading Real Madrid to victory against Sevilla on Sunday.

'Inter fans would tell you how they really feel about it.

Top of the world: Benitez (far left) and Inter celebrate their triumph in Abu Dhabi

'I'm very happy and proud of a group of players who were a great pleasure to work with. I feel the same today coaching at Real Madrid.'

Benitez has struggled with an injury crisis this season and looks set for the sack after publicly challenging Inter president Massimo Moratti to buy players.

In the run-up to Saturday's 3-0 Club World Cup final win against African side TP Mazembe he claimed his threadbare side were paying for two years of not properly following a physical training programme.

Making his point: Former Inter boss Mourinho

However, his Inter players were quick to pay tribute to their former manager rather than the new man in the dugout after the game in Abu Dhabi.

Striker Diego Milito said: 'This was a truly extraordinary and unforgettable year. It is thanks to Mourinho that we were able to arrive at this point so he remains important to us.'

Goran Pandev added: 'I'm just happy to be here, since January I was able to win five titles with a great team such as this. It's to the merit of Mourinho because he created such a great team, but the success of a team is the merit of everybody involved.'

Benitez's standing at Inter can't have been helped by the Spaniard bizarrely dedicating the weekend victory to Liverpool fans.

The 50-year-old, who was sacked after six years at Anfield in the summer, said: 'I dedicate this title to my family, to all those who are close to me, the technical staff, the players, all the 'tifosi' (fans) of Inter and also a little to the fans of Liverpool, as in 2005 we didn't quite manage to achieve this (world club title).'

It is likely to be his only title with Inter. England manager Fabio Capello, who met Moratti in Abu Dhabi last week, and Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti are favourites to replace him.

Benitez faces sack in next 48 hours after amazing attack on Inter president The Italian job is next for Fabio Capello, but on TV rather than in the dugoutInter Milan 3 TP Mazembe 0: High five as Rafa wins Club World CupFA allow Inter Milan chance to woo England boss Capello